‘When you hear the Russians coming, people, run’ - Butler confident in Phoenix’s ability to take on Rusea’s development

The alliance between Rusea’s High School and the Craig Butler-led Phoenix Academy has sparked optimism among supporters eager to see the Hanover-based school return to the pinnacle of schoolboy football. 

Yet, as expectations rise, concerns persist over how effectively resources and personnel will be managed, particularly with Phoenix staff also expected to play key roles in guiding Mona High School’s Manning Cup programme at the other end of the island, as well as the Jamaica Premier League (JPL)’s Chapelton Maroons campaign in its central region.

“I want to know what will happen when the season starts for Chapelton Maroons? For every positive, there are also negatives. When the season starts for Mona, how will he balance it? Because I think he may need some sort of assistance,” said Stefano Smith, noting that the few training sessions he attended looked good.

“So far, the persons who I'm seeing providing some assistance right now are basically Phoenix players and, sooner or later, they might have to report back to training and start their pre-season for the next football season. So that's just the concern,” he said. 

Phoenix Academy, who are also managing Manning Cup Mona High, will replace veteran coach Paul 'Tegat' Davis for the upcoming schoolboy season. 

According to Craig Butler, founder and head of Phoenix Academy, the aim is to create a net across the Caribbean and Brazil, developing efficient coaches.

“The idea now is to have our players play, and our coaches coach, but I will also always be behind the systems, the methodology, the training programmes. 

Phoenix has been in the business for 30 years now, and has been developing not just players, but also coaches.

“We have a cadre of coaches. So, with Rusea’s, we will have coaches like Michael Graham, former Jamaica College Manning Cup champion and former professional player in Belgium, be involved in the coaching,” said Butler.

The Phoenix brand also manages Vauxhall High School, Phoenix Sports Management, and Phoenix St Ann.

Former kingpins Rusea's have won 11 daCosta Cup titles and are second only to Cornwall College, who have 12. 

The Hanover-based school won its first daCosta Cup in 1984 and, over the years, it has produced some well-known players, including Aaron Lawrence, Mark 'Hagler' Wilson, Stephen 'Shorty' Malcolm, Caple Donaldson, Michael Graham, and Donald Hewitt from the golden era of the mid-1980s, along with others who came later, such as Easton 'Fuma' Smith, Deshane Beckford, and Brian 'Rambo' Brown, most of whom went on to represent Jamaica.

According to Butler, the diversification of his coaching staff is not new.

“Last year with Mona, we had a cadre of coaches as well. So the idea really is about developing players, developing the school, and taking the school back to winning at the daCosta Cup and being a champion,” said Butler.

“We have Marcus Ross, Brazilian international, and as our technical trainer, we have our goalkeeper trainers, we have myself who will be there from time to time and will be still involved with Mona. So, when you hear the Russians coming, people, run. You understand?”

In 1985, the Lucea-based school created history, as in addition to retaining their daCosta Cup title, they also won the Ben Francis Cup, the Olivier Shield, and the Nutrament Shield.

The 'Russians' have also won or shared the Olivier Shield a total of six times, and won the Ben Francis Cup on four occasions.

However, the last daCosta Cup title was won in 2017, when they defeated Clarendon College.

Since then, Rusea's have failed to advance past the second round.

Meanwhile, Claudio Chisholm, past student, said the Phoenix Academy will give youngsters a better opportunity.

“The fan base is excited to have Mr Butler taking control of the programme. Especially with his proven record with the likes of Leon Bailey, Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards. Also winning the Manning and Walker Cup with Mona High while still developing new talents to send them across the globe to ply their trade,” said Chisholm.